Samoa Tsunami Relief | Missions Trip

June 24 — August 15

“Fa’a Samoa” means the “Samoan Way”. You will learn exactly what that means on this summer missions trip as you serve the people of this South Pacific tropical paradise devastated by three tsunami waves in September 2009. Working alongside the Samoa Youth With a Mission (YWAM) staff, your faith will be strengthened as you reach out to those most affected by the tsunami waves that hit the southern coastline. Your purpose is to help in the rebuilding of villages and local communities. This could include work projects that could be assisting in building repairs or clearing away rubble and debris. You will share the Gospel through music, puppets, drama and testimonies in villages on the island.

Sightseeing/Souvenirs:

Sightseeing opportunities will include a day of snorkeling at Palolo Deep Marine Reserve and swimming at Valala Beach. You will also have a chance to enjoy the local Paussea Sliding Rocks. Shopping in the capital city of Apia will provide opportunity to shop for souvenirs of Samoa.

Housing:

Housing will be in traditional fales (open-sided structures) with showers available. Laundry will be done using your buckets.

Travel:

After completing Boot Camp training, you bus to the Orlando International Airport where you board a flight to Los Angeles, California. From Los Angeles you connect with a flight that takes you across the Pacific Ocean and the Equator before arriving in Apia, the capital of Western Samoa. From the airport you will travel 45 minutes along the coast to the Youth With a Mission (YWAM) base.

(Note: Florida Debrief)

Contributions Equal To: $3790 U.S. Plus Reg.

Samoa

Samoa consists of the two large islands of Upolu and Savai’i and seven small islets located about halfway between Hawaii and New Zealand in the Polynesian region of the South Pacific. The main island of Upolu is home to nearly three-quarters of Samoa’s population and its capital city of Apia. The climate is tropical, with a rainy season from November to April.

The Fa’a Samoa, or traditional Samoan way, remains a strong force in Samoan life and politics. Despite centuries of European influence, Samoa maintains its historical customs, social systems, and language, which is believed to be the oldest form of Polynesian speech still in existence. Only the Maoris of New Zealand outnumber the Samoans among Polynesian groups.

You will need to bring enough batteries that will last the whole summer. No, you will not have access to a computer. The leaders will be sending in reports twice weekly which will be posted on our web site. Otherwise, it is “snail mail”.